WASHINGTON – President Obama today wiped away tears and got a lump in his throat as he gave voice to America’s pain and anguish in the wake of a horrific shooting rampage in a Connecticut elementary school.
“The majority of those who died today were children, beautiful little kids between the ages of five and ten years old,” said Obama, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye.
The choked-up president took a long pause to regain his composure before he continued his address from the White House.
“They had their entire lives ahead of them, birthdays, graduations, weddings, kids of their own,” said Obama.
In response to the unthinkable tragedy that left 20 children and six adults dead, Obama promised “meaningful” action to combat gun violence.
“Our hearts are broken for the parents of the survivors as well, for as blessed as they are to have their children home tonight, they know that their children’s innocence has been torn away from them,” said the president.
He added a person note.
“This evening, Michelle and I will do what I know every parent in America will do, which is hug our children a little tighter,” he said. “And we’ll tell them that we love them and we’ll remind each other of how deeply we love we another.”
“But there are families in Connecticut that cannot do that. And they need us now,” he said.
Obama ordered that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff until Dec. 18
smiller@nypost.com